Haematology and blood chemistry of healthy and clinically abnormal great black‐backed gulls (Larus Marinus) and herring gulls (Larus Argentatus)

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Abstract
Normal haematological values and cholesterol values (total, HDL‐cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol) were determined in free‐living Herring and Great Black‐backed Gulls, taking into account species, age and sex. These figures were then used as a basis of comparison with findings on birds with apparent clinical abnormalities (the birds were either oiled, emaciated, extensively infested with endoparasites, had external injuries or organic abnormalities). Species‐specific differences were found only in cholesterol content; sex‐specific differences were not found. There were statistical differences between older birds and nestlings in RBC, PCV, Hb, MCV, MCHC and MCH. An age‐related increase between 3‐ and 6‐month‐old birds and adults concerning total cholesterol and HDL‐cholesterol was evident. The haematological values of healthy gulls showed statistical significant differences in RBC, Hb, MCV, MCHC, MCH, total cholesterol, HDL‐cholesterol compared to the values obtained from sick gulls.